Under-the-Dress Essentials

The secret to the perfect fit? Great undergarments.

by Jennie Ma

photo by Le Secret d'Audrey

Bridal fashion has taken a sexy turn in recent years. Designers like Galia Lahav, Ines Di Santo and Rivini are redefining the traditional wedding dress with daring cutouts, plunging necklines and curve-hugging styles that leave little to the imagination. If you find yourself in love with a sultry silhouette but don't know what to wear under it (hint: your usual bra and panties probably won't do), we're here to help. From clingy fabrics to open backs, we've got the answers to your undergarment dilemmas.

Your dress has an ultra-deep V-neckline.

The essential: Look for a bra that has a special cutout in the front to accommodate low necklines. Most likely this bra will have extra support on the side (or, in this case, is designed as a bodysuit) to make sure that despite the deep dip, everything stays put.

Your dress is cut close to the body and clings to your tummy area.

The essential: You'll need some shapewear that can smooth and pull in your problem area—your lower stomach. Look for one with either boy shorts or with a thong bottom to ensure you get a seamless finish.

Your dress has a classic strapless neckline.

The essential: A bra with grips on the inside is one possible solution to the elusive slipping strapless bra; another answer is the longline bra. This is a bra that's attached to a corsetlike bodice, which gives it more support against slippage since it wraps around your waist.

Your dress is extremely formfitting around the hips and thighs.

The essential: Target the problem area with shapewear that falls above the knees. The key is finding a pair that's tight enough to firm up any possible wobbly bits and give your silhouette a smooth finish—without giving you a muffin top.

Your dress shows off your curves, especially from behind.

photo by Courtesy of Nordstrom

The essential: Find a pair of special shorts that can give your behind an extra boost. Look for shorts with padding that looks and feels natural (your guests don't need to know you're getting some booty help) like cotton, foam or silicone.

No clue what kind of wedding dress you want? Start by finding your wedding day style by taking our Style Quiz. Once you know what you want your day to look like, finding your dress will be so much easier.